Dr Collins Henry Oloo Oyuu’s journey to the helm of the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is a story of patience, strategy and calculated resilience. Born in 1965 in Uyoma, Bondo, Siaya county, Oyuu’s path to national prominence was neither abrupt nor accidental. It was shaped steadily through years of service in the classroom and within union ranks.
He began his education at Kasarani Primary School in 1972 before briefly enrolling at the Kenya Police Training College in Kiganjo in 1983. For a time, he pursued seminary studies at Queen of Apostles Seminary in Mabanga, an experience that sharpened his discipline and public speaking skills.
However, destiny steered him toward a different calling. He traded the path to the priesthood and even a possible career in policing for the chalkboard.
In 1987, Oyuu trained as a teacher and began his professional journey at Shanzu Teachers Training College in Mombasa County. His first official posting was at Ruma Primary School in Siaya County, where he taught for several years. It was in the classroom that he built his grassroots credibility, interacting daily with learners and fellow teachers and understanding the practical challenges educators face.
His entry into union leadership came in 1996 when he was elected to the Branch Executive Committee in Siaya County. This marked the beginning of a steady climb through KNUT’s ranks. By 2002, he had been elected chair of the Bondo Branch, consolidating his influence at the local level. In 2008, he became executive secretary of the Rarieda branch, a position that further sharpened his administrative and negotiation skills.
Oyuu’s national profile rose significantly in 2013 when he joined the KNUT National Steering Committee. He later served as acting assistant secretary general before being confirmed to the position in 2015. By 2018, he had ascended to the role of KNUT vice chairperson, positioning himself as a key figure within the union’s top leadership.
His defining moment came on June 25, 2021, when the Secretary General Wilson Sossion resigned following years of bruising confrontations between KNUT and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).
The union had endured turbulent times, including declining membership and strained relations with government agencies. Oyuu stepped into office at a time when KNUT was grappling with internal divisions and external pressure.
Unlike his predecessor’s combative approach, Oyuu adopted a more conciliatory and strategic style. He sought to rebuild bridges with the government and stabilise the union’s standing. His leadership marked a shift toward dialogue over confrontation, a move that earned him both praise and criticism from different quarters.
One of his notable achievements has been steering negotiations for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which included salary increments and improved non-monetary benefits for teachers. Supporters credit him with restoring KNUT’s negotiating power and regaining stability within the union.
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In April 2026, Oyuu sought re-election and secured the seat unopposed, further consolidating his grip on the union’s leadership. His tenure reflects a blend of pragmatism and political navigation, positioning him as a central figure in Kenya’s education labour movement.
By Philip Koech
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